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Biomedical subjects

D Goddard

Publications and source records attributed to D Goddard.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

Atomic force microscopy imaging of fragments from the Martian meteorite ALH84001.

A combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) techniques, as well as atomic force microscopy (AFM) methods has been used to study fragments of the Martian meteorite ALH84001. Images of the same areas on the meteorite were obtained prior to and following gold/palladium coating by mapping the surface of the fragment using ESEM coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. Viewing of the fragments demonstrated the presence of structures, previously described as nanofossils by McKay et al. (Search for past life on Mars--possible relic biogenic activity in martian meteorite ALH84001. Science, 1996, pp. 924-930) of NASA who used SEM imaging of gold-coated meteorite samples. Careful imaging of the fragments revealed that the observed structures were not an artefact introduced by the coating procedure.

Carbonates↗

The epidemiology of osteoporosis. Practical implications for patient care.

The new definition of osteoporosis moves this disorder from a disease of fractures to a disease of fracture risks. Like blood lipids and blood pressure, bone mineral density is now viewed as a predictor of possible problems. Through careful history taking and physical examination, primary care physicians can identify patients in whom intervention is likely to prevent the anguish of broken bones and lost mobility. In this article, Drs Goddard and Kleerekoper discuss the new diagnostic criteria and what they mean for your patients.

Adult↗

Knowledge and experience of drug use amongst church affiliated young people.

A large and growing proportion of young people in the UK are using drugs. Research from the US suggests a protective effect of church affiliation or 'religiosity', but this has not been investigated in British young people. In the present study, the prevalence of drug use was estimated amongst 7666 church affiliated young people in the UK in 1995, using a self report questionnaire survey. In the 12-16 year old age group, 23.4% had been offered at least one of a list of drugs, and 9.7% had tried such drugs. In those aged 17-30 years the figures were 46.1% and 23.3%, respectively. These figures are perhaps slightly less than, those obtained in secular surveys. Those who gave more positive responses to questions on Christian commitment were less likely to have been offered any of the listed drugs, or to have used them, as compared with those who gave no such responses. A lifetime history of ever having smoked demonstrated a far stronger association, with smokers being 15-20 times more likely to have used one of the listed drugs.

Adolescent↗

Growth and antigenic variation of Trypanosoma brucei, T. rhodesiense and T. gambiense in subcutaneous millipore chambers.

The inability to cultivate infective bloodstream forms of the African trypanosomes in cell-free media has complicated studies of the biology of trypanosomes and the pathogenesis of trypanosomiasis. We attempted to overcome this problem by subcutaneous implantation in mice of Millipore chambers that isolate trypanosomes from cells but permit diffusion of soluble substances across their membranes. Chambers were inoculated with 5 X 10(4) to 5 X 10(5) per ml Trypanosoma brucei, T. rhodesiense or T. gambiense; the trypanosomes multiplied rapidly, persisted for as long as five weeks, and remained infective, even when the original inocula were freed of donor cells by ion-exchange. The presence of anti-trypanosomal IgG and IgM in the sera and chambers of recipient mice proved that trypanosomal and mammalian products crossed the membranes. Chamber trypanosomes also expressed two important aspects of normal in vivo biological behaviour: (i) differentiation from long slender to short stumpy bloodstream forms and (ii) antigenic variation. Death of trypanosomes was associated with the presence of IgM antibody in the chambers. This model provides a system for study of an entire population of trypanosomes in an extravascular, cell-free environment.

Animals↗

Stool microscopy in screening for steatorrhoea.

A prospective study is described comparing microscopy of random faecal specimens for the presence of neutral and split fat by a relatively simple, cheap, and rapid methods with standard chemical estimation of faecal fat. The method of microscopy was found to be reliable in excluding steatorrhoea in children over the age of 3 months.

Adolescent↗